Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

This GREEN Program to Hawai'i was an amazing experience. Past Review

By (Swarthmore College) - abroad from 06/12/2017 to 06/27/2017 with

The GREEN Program: Hawai'i - Sustainable Community Food & Energy Systems

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worth while. Our short two weeks together felt like months! This trip gave me a new perspective of sustainable communities and helped me to better understand all that's being done to make a more inclusive, sustainable, and connected world.

Review Photos

The GREEN Program: Hawai'i - Sustainable Community Food & Energy Systems Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

We took a three day course studying sustainable food systems and clean energy systems of Hawai'i early on in the program. We learned about these sustainable aspects of the island situated within the unique Hawai'ian culture which is marked by a deep care and sense of stewardship for the earth. This course was an amazing source of foundational information that made all of our sustainability related visits, trips, and experiences much more meaningful!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed at a variety of places on the island: at an organic farm, at a beachside camp, and in UH dorms. All these living arrangements were well-planned for, comfortable, and accommodating of our large group.

* Food:

The food throughout the trip was amazing. We ate some amazing meals with local, organic fruits and vegetables. We also were able to sample some traditional Hawaiian food, including fish dishes and poi. There were always vegetarian and vegan options!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Learning about native Hawaiian culture was one of the most impactful parts of the trip for me. The communities we visited in Hawai'i care so deeply of their people and their natural places. I left the trip humbled by the efforts being made that are backed by community support and a deep, culturally embedded respect for the land.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I returned home from Hawai’i with a wider perspective of what a sustainable world may look like, with a greater understanding how people care for their ecological history, with a more focused idea of what it means to be sustainable and the great collaboration and compromise this will take. Through this experience with the GREEN Program, I feel as though I have been able to connect with so many people on what we collectively care about to some capacity.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

The cost of living in Hawai'i is high so living there for a short period of time was costly.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Meeting all the other GREENie students on the trip!
  • Visits to historical sites, farms, waste to energy facility, and companies with a sustainable focus
  • Adventure aspects, like surfing, hiking, attending a luau, and outrigger canoeing
* What could be improved?
  • Longer time spent with course material
  • More moments for group reflection about our experiences
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Even though it's a short time, the GREEN Program makes a busy but extremely meaningful agenda. I felt well prepared with the materials provided to me before the trip, but I was amazed at how much we actually saw and did!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.